New 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

Not your typical midsize SUV, curiosity turns to reality with the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Exhibiting a utility pickup bed in back where most vehicles in this segment would have an enclosed cargo area, car buyers are pleased to find such a feature of a vehicle already brimming with a history of success.

With an independent rear suspension that’s rare for vehicle of this type, the Explorer Sport Trac offers rear-wheel-drive with the ability to tow up to 7,160 pounds. A base 210-horsepower, 4.0-liter V-6 engine good for 254 pounds-feet of torque can be increased to a 292-horsepower behemoth under the hood, by way of a 4.6-liter V-8 engine demonstrating 315 pounds-feet of torque strength. Five-speed automatic transmissions are married to the V-6 engines, while a six-speed version is mated to the V-8’s. Buyers can choose from available 4x2 and 4x4 driveline options for both engines.

With many of the same desired features as its sibling Explorer, the Explorer Sport Trac more than holds its own against its peers, including Crew Cab pickups such as the Honda Ridgeline, Dodge Dakota Quad Cab and Nissan Frontier Crew Cab. In addition, its gets the same trailer-sway control system addition and satellite radio, not to mention it receives the all-new SOS-Post Crash Alert System, which unlocks the doors and activates the horn and emergency flashers when airbags are deployed during not-so-desirable driving maneuvers.

Mimicking many of the interior amenities of the Explorer, the Explorer Sport Trac displays a tall center stack with radio controls above the air vents and connected to a floor-mounted console box below. Front bucket seats and a second-row bench provide comfortable seating for up to five passengers. And the cargo bed's spacious volume tips at 37.5 cubic feet. The automaker’s proprietary Sync system is a unique feature that, in partnership with Microsoft, allows for hands-free voice-recognition control of phone and other music player devices.

Ford’s commitment to safety for drivers and passengers alike is no more evident than in the Explorer Sport Trac. Features fully-equipped as standard include front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags and four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, with options for increased security in a reverse sensing system and power-adjustable pedals.

For car seekers who find the Explorer’s everyday use still not enough for towing and hauling capabilities, the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac meets the needs of these buyers who quest for more strength and cargo space for increased workloads.